What is a Thermal Flow Switch?
In industrial automation and process control, monitoring the flow of liquids and gases is essential to ensure equipment safety and system efficiency. Among various types of flow monitoring devices, the thermal flow switch stands out for its high sensitivity, reliability, and operation without moving parts.
What is a Thermal Flow Switch?
A thermal flow switch is a device that detects the presence or absence of fluid flow by measuring changes in heat transfer. It sends an electrical signal to start or stop pumps, valves, or alarms based on the detected flow condition.
Unlike mechanical switches that rely on moving components, thermal flow switches operate electronically, making them highly durable and maintenance-free. They are suitable for both liquids and gases and are ideal for applications requiring high precision and reliability.
How Does a Thermal Flow Switch Work?
The working principle of a thermal flow switch is based on the heat dissipation effect of a flowing medium. Inside the sensor, one temperature sensor is heated, while the other remains at the fluid’s actual temperature.
When the fluid flows, it carries away some of the heat, reducing the temperature difference between the two sensors. The electronic circuit monitors this change and converts it into an output signal to indicate whether the flow rate is above or below a set threshold.
This principle allows the thermal flow switch to detect even minimal flow changes quickly and accurately, with no moving parts or mechanical wear.

Applications of Thermal Flow Switches
Thermal flow switches are widely used in industries where flow monitoring and protection are critical:
Water treatment systems – to protect pumps and prevent dry running
Chemical and petrochemical plants – for leak detection and process control
Compressed air and gas pipelines – to monitor air or gas flow rates
HVAC and refrigeration systems – to ensure proper coolant circulation
Pharmaceutical and food industries – for hygienic process monitoring
Their versatility, reliability, and long service life make thermal flow switches an ideal choice for both liquid and gas applications.
Types of Thermal Flow Switches
ZINACA Instruments offers several models of thermal flow switches tailored for different industrial requirements:
Designed for general industrial use, providing stable performance and quick response for liquids and gases under normal operating conditions.
Explosion-Proof Thermal Flow Switch
Built for hazardous environments with flammable gases or vapors, featuring an Ex db ⅡC T6 Gb explosion-proof rating and IP66 protection.
Equipped with an LED for real-time flow visualization, user-friendly configuration, and precise alarm settings — ideal for smart automation systems.
Explosion-Proof Thermal Flow Switch (for High Temperature & High Viscosity Media)
Specially designed for challenging conditions such as oils, viscous fluids, or high-temperature processes, offering exceptional heat resistance and stability.
How to Choose the Right Thermal Flow Switch
Selecting the right thermal flow switch depends on your application’s specific needs — including the type of medium (liquid or gas), flow range, working pressure and temperature, explosion-proof requirements, output signal type, and installation conditions.
Choosing the proper model ensures accurate monitoring, system protection, and extended service life.
If you’re unsure which model best suits your process, ZINACA’s technical engineers can help you evaluate your parameters and recommend the ideal solution.
Thermal Flow Switch Price
The price of a thermal flow switch varies depending on technical parameters such as connection size, material, output type, explosion-proof level, and environmental conditions.
The product price will change based on the actual specifications.
If you would like to know the latest price of ZINACA thermal flow switches, please feel free to contact us for an updated quotation.
Custom Thermal Flow Switch OEM
ZINACA Instruments offers OEM and customization services for thermal flow switches. Whether you need a special probe length, a specific signal output, or customized materials for high-temperature or corrosive media, our R&D team can tailor the design to meet your exact requirements.
We also offer branding and private-label services for distributors seeking to expand their market with reliable, high-performance OEM products.
Supplier of Thermal Flow Switch
As a professional manufacturer and global supplier, ZINACA Instruments provides high-quality thermal flow switches trusted by customers in the oil & gas, water treatment, chemical, and automation industries.
Our products are ISO and CNAS certified, ensuring superior quality and consistency.